Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio, but they’re unlikely to make a move in January, according to a report.

Jordan Davies reports for The S*n that Arsenal are monitoring Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio, but he adds that the Gunners aren’t likely to pursue a deal in the winter transfer window.

Davies writes that Arsenal are unlikely to be active in the January window, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. That would only change in the case of a serious injury.

But in the summer, Mikel Arteta is reportedly likely to prioritise defensive reinforcements, and Inacio is evidently on Arsenal’s shortlist.

Inacio has a £52m release clause and a contract that expires in 2027, so if Arsenal want to pay any less than that clause, they’ll need to negotiate.

But Sporting are reportedly prepared to hold out for close to Inacio’s release clause, with Manchester United and Liverpool also linked with the player.

Inacio has made 22 appearances this season, helping Sporting to the top of their domestic league, the Europa League knockouts, and a few cup wins.

Davies isn’t the first journalist to link Arsenal with Inacio. A Bola recently claimed the Gunners were even willing to activate the defender’s release clause, given Sporting’s unwillingness to sell.

It seems a summer move is the more likely outcome at the moment.